Laker Life Magazine Spring 2024

LAKERS The Wright State Lake Campus

Written

The Wright State Lake Campus baseball program was started 12 years ago by a few local baseball enthusiasts that believed the sport could not only be competitive but strive in this area. Thus far they were right. The first few seasons the team was mostly local baseball talent with a mix of a few from out of the area. The team competed in the ORCC(Ohio Regional Campus Conference), which was comprised of other smaller Ohio universities and colleges.

by Tommy Risner and Emily Weigandt | Illustration by Kaylee Lind | Photography by Annelise Harlamert

Edited by Tyler Couchot and Clare Rethman

After 4 seasons the program joined the USCAA (United Small College Athletic Association) with a new head coach Chad Geier. During that time, the Lakers competed in 5 consecutive USCAA championships. A double elimination tournament that invites the top 10 nationally ranked teams to compete for a national title. Highest finish thus far is fourth place. Since then, the program had to deal with the shutdown from Covid in 2020. 2021 saw the program back at the USCAA championship, and in 2022, a very young team under achieved going 6-23. Moving on from Coach Geier after that season.

When the 2022-23 season ended the Wright State Lake Campus team finished with a 19-19 record. This year they are looking to make a return to the USCAA Championship, something familiar to the team. Under the helm of second year head coach John Bailey, the Lakers have their eyes on a lot of success.

Coach Bailey has goals of his players achieving on and off the field, as he hopes to have a number of All-American players as well as having some Academic All-Americans as well. Senior pitcher Hayden Bill has his eyes (continue on page 5)

THE WRIGHT STATE LAKE CAMPUS LAKERS

on the prize, as his top goal for the year is to return to the Championship tournament. Bill says that athletic success runs in his family as his mother and father were both collegiate athletes. Fellow senior second baseman and team captain Nicholas Hundley looks to close out his final year of college baseball with success, but also leadership.

Heading into his final year, Hundley reflects over his baseball experience. He states, “In baseball there are plenty of highs and lows and it is important to not get too caught up in either because baseball will humble you like no other. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play this great game for a long time and I try to not take it for granted.” Senior outfielder Ashton Focht transferred from Rio Grande University for his final year of collegiate baseball. He says that his father and grandfather drive him to be a better player, as his goal for the year is to make a trip to the championship game at the end of the season.

One thing is for certain, the Lakers have their eyes set on success and have the drive to get there.

“It is my job as a captain and senior to display a strong work ethic and pass my knowledge onto others. It also helps to have some fun along the way because baseball is still a game at the end of the day.” - Hundley

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

NICK HUNDLEY

Nick hails from Enon, Ohio, and has been playing baseball since the tender age of four and currently holds the position of Second Base and Captain for the team. Nick’s ultimate goal for this year is to lead his team to the small college world series. Nick recently achieved a personal milestone of 100 career hits, and he is determined to be the best baseball player, teammate, and friend he can be. His family inspires him both on and off the field, and his coaches and teammates push him to be a better player every day.

BILL HAYDEN

As a utility player and pitcher, he has been an integral part of the team’s success. Bill has been playing baseball his entire life and has always been passionate about the sport. His parents, who were both college athletes themselves, have inspired him to become a better player. His dad is a Mount St. Joe Hall of Famer who played baseball and his mom was an outstanding soccer player for Xavier. Bill’s goal for this year is to help his team make it to the USCAA College World Series before he finishes playing.

ASHTON FOCHT

Ashton is a proud resident of Germantown, Ohio, who currently plays as an outfielder for the Wright State Lake Campus Lakers. He is a dedicated baseball player who has been playing the sport his entire life, and he aims to make it to the World Series this year while having fun in his last year of playing baseball. Ashton’s passion for baseball comes from his dad and grandpa, who inspire him to be the best he can be. His teammates also inspire him, and he values the camaraderie and team spirit that comes with playing baseball.

Taking a Step in the Wright Direction

On Monday, February 12th, Wright State Lake hosted an incredible opportunity for students, the Spring Job Fair of 2024. Regardless of the major, all students were welcome to attend the event. A mix of over forty different companies and organizations presented job opportunities to students whether they be full-time, part-time, co-ops, or internships.

Here are some companies that participated:

EverHeart Hospice

EverHeart Hospice situated in Coldwater, Ohio is a group of healthcare providers delivering individualized end-of-life experiences and care for patients and their families.

Fanning

Fanning

Howey of Celina, Ohio is an architecture, interiors, and engineering firm that specializes in learning environments such as primary and secondary schools, athletic complexes, higher education buildings, and more.

Howey Associates

Farm-Credit Mid America

FarmCredit Mid America in Delphos, Ohio is a financial services cooperative and helps support the credit needs of farmers and rural residents

Reynolds and Reynolds of Celina, Ohio is a leading provider of automotive dealership software and services in hopes of delivering better results and transforming the customer experience.

Now hiring!

Explore different career paths, network with potential employers, and submit your resume to potentially land a job or internship. Take a step in the right direction and be on the lookout for the next Wright State Lake Campus Job Fair. Discover new possibilities and get inspired for the future.

EMI Corp

EMI Corp. located in Jackson Center, Ohio is a manufacturer and supplier of automation equipment and maintenance products specifically for the plastics industry.

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Does college have you feeling down, tired, or bo if you said yes to any of these, then you are not making the most out of your college experience. There are several different ways for a college student to succeed in school while still having a fun and memorable experience.

Ways for students to keep up on assignments and school life include, keeping up on assignments, attending class, not procrastinating work, studying often (especially in well-lit rooms or outdoors on nice days), staying on a consistent sleep routine, asking for help when needed.

Assignments should be the top priority for students, so by following the suggestions

mentioned, students should have an easier time succeeding.

Aside from this, students should adventure off campus frequently and explore new places: coffee shops- grab some friends and go to your favorite coffee shop. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a new one! Try new restaurants and discover new foods and places to eat on the weekends! Check out the new shows being played at the movie theater- whether it’s by yourself, with a roommate, or some friends, diving into a new movie with some popcorn and snacks is a fun way to take your mind off schoolwork. Lastly, any other social gathering that may be located on or near campus is a great way to enhance new hobbies.

Story written by Alana Stricker and Images captured by Jacob Wallace

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WHAT CAMPUS HAS TO OFFER

The library is a quiet place to study or a way to find a new book! The campus rec center is a great way to find a new workout routine or get your daily cardio in by utilizing the rec center. Dining halls offered on campus serve daily nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided to all students living on campus! Attending sporting events gives students the opportunity to engage in campus sports and meet new people while supporting your favorite team. Partaking in activities on campus such as paint night, movie night, concerts, spirit week, musicals, trivia night, and other events happening on campus! Additionally, participate in clubs! Join two clubs on campus: one that interests you and one that involves your major! This is a great way to advance your knowledge on your major but also expand your interests on another topic. Acquiring a part time job on campus that works around school schedules and other activities is a great way to make money and fill time. Lastly, volunteering is a way to give back to your campus and others in the surrounding area. These are all ways to meet new friends and engage on campus to stay involved!

OTHER TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Instead of going home most weekends, stay on campus and enjoy it! Only go home for major events, and not just to see your pets or sleep in your bed at home. You can do that over break! While you’re spending time at school on the weekends, try new things! Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new experiences. You’ll never know until you give it a chance! Lastly, take days off and just enjoy it! Whether it’s watching a movie, shopping, cleaning, going on a hike, etc., take a rest day! Most importantly, have fun!

UMG & TIKTOK TIKTOK TIKTOK

Written by Tommy Risner | Illustration by Kaylee Lind | Photography by Annelise Harlamert | Edited by Tyler Couchot and Clare Rethman

At the start of 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced that they would be pulling all the music by their artists from TikTok. This comes after UMG and TikTok were unable to come to an agreement for the contract’s rights to the music. This has led to a number of questions and leaves TikTok users confused on why this happened.

Since its launch in 2016, TikTok now has over 1.92 billion users and is the #1 app in over 40 countries. It has taken over social media with its video shorts and houses a plethora of video

subjects ranging from tutorials to comic relief. Out of all social media platforms, TikTok has the highest social media engagement rate per post. This means not only is the video being viewed, but people are interacting with it and getting it shared around the world. With over 1 billion videos viewed daily, it makes sense why everyone wants to be a part of it.

Universal Music Group is a multinational organization that owns a number of the largest recording companies in the world, such as Capital Records and MCA Nashville. They own the rights to music from some of the world’s

top artists such as Taylor Swift, Adele, and Billie Eilish. UMG is known as one of the “Big Three,” along with Sony Music and Warner Music Group.

UMG had a contract with TikTok that expired on January 31st earlier this year. This led to the discussion for a new contract, one that UMG wasn’t willing to make. They had a number of reasons for doing this. For starters, the new wave of AI-generated music has left a sour taste in the mouth of the music industry, and TikTok has done nothing about attempting to do anything to stop it. Thus, putting UMG in a position where they feel like their music and artists aren’t being appreciated. They also have taken a position where the want better compensation for their artists’ music. UMG also has an issue

with their community guidelines and the efforts to enact them, as UMG feels TikTok is not protecting users from hate speech and bullying.

TikTok isn’t dwelling on the past though. They are prepared to figure out what is next. They still have healthy relationships with Warner Music Group and Sony Music, and they have plans in place to launch a new program to help discover and promote new up and coming artists on their platform. This is certainly something to keep an eye on in the future.

With AI-generated music coming into play, record labels in years to come will have to enact policies to try and combat the competition.

TIKTOK RESPONDS

TikTok has responded to the criticism of UMG by stating that they are saddened by the greed of UMG over the care for their artists and their music. TikTok’s leverage is the fact that they have “made” artists by the power the platform has. There are a number of popular artists that got their start on TikTok and gained their entire fanbase from the platform.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS OFFERED AT WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY - LAKE CAMPUS

There are many different clubs at the Lake Campus, such as: Business and graphic professionals, Catholic Campus Ministry, Collegiate Young Farmers, Engineering Club, Lake Campus Athletics, Lake Campus Science Club, Psychology Club, and Nursing Organization.

BUSINESS AND GRAPHIC PROFESSIONALS

Business and graphic professionals prepare students to practice their designing skills by individual and collaborative investigations in history, theory, cultural, creative problem solving, visual communications, professional practice, and the self. Motivating humans to engage in inquiring, exploring, and contemplating the world is the main idea of the group.

CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY

Catholic Campus Ministry is a Catholic and Christian enrichment club that encourages students to grow closer in their faith and give them better insight on their religion.

COLLEGIATE YOUNG FARMERS

Collegiate Young Farmers, a program associated with Ohio Farm Bureau as a Young Ag Professionals organization, helps students improve their connections in agricultural, furthering their education in the agricultural industry.

ENGINEERING CLUB

The engineering club serves as a connection to the student, university, and community by gaining knowledge and experience in the real world about engineering. The program allows students to find what they enjoy and build their relationship with the surrounding communities and their potential job.

Story written by Alana Stricker and Images captured by Jacob Wallace

LAKE CAMPUS ATHLETICS

Lake Campus Athletics gives students the opportunities to play the sport they love most while making new friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

SCIENCE CLUB

to help the younger nursing students succeed and become more involved in the program and community.

Overall, it can be concluded that there are many different clubs and organizations on campus for students to be able to get involved in. These clubs can help students advance in their program, make new friendships, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy

Jet-Setting for Education

Have you ever wanted to go on a journey of a lifetime? Pack your bags and explore the world through an educational lens with the Wright State Lake Campus. Studying abroad allows you to pursue academic subjects and immerse yourself into different cultures, languages, and overall ways of life. It’s an incredible experience that broadens your horizons and lets you see a unique perspective of the world. So, are you ready to embark on a new experience by studying abroad?

Unpack the Impact: the Benefits of Studying Abroad

The following information has been summarized from research performed by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Many noted an increased understanding of different cultures and the benefits of their learning experience. Students tend to appreciate the intricate nature of global issues, have an increased knowledge of intercultural relations, and become more self-aware. Studies have found that students who have returned from studying abroad have become more tolerant and less fearful of other countries and developed a greater sense of nationalism.

Language Learning

Studies have shown that both short and longterm study abroad experiences have increased students’ understanding of foreign languages and their ability to speak it with confidence. By being subjected to the immersive environments and real-life situations at play, a positive impact is made on students’ gains in language learning.

Career Skills and Employability

A number of different studies show that studying abroad enhances skills valued by employers. According to Open Doors 2023, students who studied abroad were “reported to have developed fourteen out of the fifteen intrapersonal, cognitive, and interpersonal skills through activities related to language and area studies.”

Agricultural Adventures Abroad

Over the 2024 spring break, students had the opportunity to go on an agricultural study tour of Panama. Not only did they have the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime, they also were able to visit different farms, enjoy the warm weather, spend time with friends, and earn class credit. Below is a recount of their adventures and what they spent their days doing.

DAY 1 - An Important Part

Although it may not be the most enjoyable experience of studying abroad, students took the approximate 3,800 mile journey from Ohio to Panama to begin their trip.

DAY 2 - Monkeying Around

Although it may not be the most enjoyable experience of studying abroad, students took the approximate 3,800 mile journey from Ohio to Panama to begin their trip.

Day 3 | Let’s Talk Agriculture

On the third day of their trip, students visited a local pineapple farm where they were able to learn about production, grades, and sugar content. Pineapples grow best in tropical climates and are sensitive to cold temperatures, making Ohio a not-so-suitable place to call home. They followed the farm by stopping at a small scale poultry operation that supplies local farmers with meat birds for various speciality markets.

Day 4 | Get Educated

On the fourth day of their trip students had the opportunity to visit Instituto Nacional De Agricultura to learn about Panamanian teachings in an agricultural environment. The school provides education to rural students so they can bring it back to their villages. They followed their visit with a trip to Las Lajas to taste coconut and cocoa.

Day 5 | An Immersive Experience

On the fifth day of their trip, students immersed themselves into the lives of an indigenous tribe in the Guaymi Village, where they experienced their culture and food. They followed the visit

with a trip to a local dairy and beef farm where they saw local cowboys round up the variety of Brahman cattle.

Day 6 | the World’s Most Expensive Coffee

On the sixth day of their trip, students visited a diversified organic farm where they propagated plants for local farmers. The farm provides education to local Panamanian farmers and gives them a place to sell their products. During their visit students had the opportunity to interact with local youth. They finished off their day with a coffee tour and tasting, where they got to experience Fwisha, one of the world’s most expensive coffees, grown in Panama.

Make the Decision of a Lifetime and Study Abroad

Study Abroad opportunities are presented not only through the university but through different programs as well. Be on the lookout for different trips and open your eyes to scholarship opportunities. Make memories that will last a lifetime by studying abroad.

If you are interested in studying abroad, begin your journey by contacting the people below!

937-775-8390

dane.daniel@wright.edu

937-775-5745

megan.trickler@wright.edu

937-775-5745

studyabroad@wright.edu

BLOOD DRIVE LAKE CAMPUS

Written by Tommy Risner and Kaylee Lind | Illustration by Kaylee Lind | Photography by Annelise HarlamertEdited by Tyler Couchot and Clare Rethman

Wright State Lake Campus and The American Red Cross are partnering together for a campus blood drive on March 26th from 9AM to 3PM. Students are invited to come donate blood and make a difference in the life of someone else. Donating blood can make a lifelong difference in someone else’s life. The nation relies on donors to keep the national blood supply stable, as there is no replacement for blood.

WHO IS THE RED CROSS?

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster relief education across the country. This organization is usually one of the first responders to natural disasters and catastrophes, and part of the help they give is by receiving and donating blood at local charities and blood drives across America.

WHY DONATE BLOOD?

Donated blood can be used in a number of ways

to help a number of individuals with different issues. Most recipients will get the blood through transfusions, one of the most common procedures in U.S. hospitals. Transfusions help patients with blood loss through surgery, as well as help individuals who have diseases that prevent them from making blood correctly.

Once again, the only thing to replace blood is blood.

Donating blood can be done once every eight weeks and does no harm to your body. It takes a little time for your blood to recover from the donation, but no differences will be seen in your health. Following your donation, it is recommended to not do any heavy work and to consume extra liquids throughout the day. There are a few other minor side effects that will be gone over prior to your donation.

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

Story written by Alana Stricker, Images captured by Jacob Wallace, Illustration done by Jessica Winner

Now up and coming to the state of Ohio on Monday, April 8th is the solar eclipse. Beginning at 1:53 pm to 4:28 pm with it reaching its maximum at 3:10 pm, all coming to the state will be able to bear witness to the amazing spectacle of cosmic proportions known by many as the ring of fire.

WHAT IS AN ECLIPSE

An eclipse generally happens when the earth, sun, and moon are each in a perfectly straight line with each other. To be exact, if the moon happens to be between the earth and the sun then we get a solar eclipse where the moon’s shadow is cast on the face of the earth. Meanwhile its opposite, the earth being between the sun and the moon, would be called a lunar eclipse. Now you might be wondering why an eclipse isn’t happening every couple weeks in place of the new and full moon. Ya know, given how a new moon occurs when the moon is between the earth and the sun while a full moon happens when the moon is at its farthest point away from the sun. The thing that most people might overlook is this little thing called the ecliptic which is that the moon’s orbital plane around the earth is actually tilted at a five degree angle from the orbital plane of the earth. Therefore while the moon’s path might come close to reaching that alignment every couple of weeks it is only ever just slightly above or below the sun from our perspective. Naturally there are still at least two points where the orbit of the moon intersects with the orbital plane of the earth and these are called lunar nodes. It

is only when these lunar nodes intersect with the line defined by the earth and the sun that an eclipse can happen. What most people living nearby would see is the moon taking the shape of a crescent or what is called a gibbon. However, those under the point of totality, where the moon directly covers the sun, people will be able to see the sun’s rays peek out of the moon’s outline in what is known as the ring of fire.

You might think that based on the earlier described evidence an eclipse should be happening twice a year and you’d be quite right in regards to lunar eclipses but solar eclipses are different. The moon is significantly smaller than the earth and is way smaller than the sun which leads to the moon only being able to cast a very small shadow on the face of the earth. Furthermore no two kinds of eclipses are generally alike as while the universe might have seemed like this vast machine where everything moves in cosmically aligned clockwork with each other, the truth is that on a planetary scale everything is actually kind of “wobbly” in a sense. For example some eclipses don’t fully cover the sun and some may not last very long compared to others. This is because the ecliptic isn’t really a perfect circle and the moon can be held at different distances from the earth and the sun. The line that the moon’s shadow traces over the earth is also said to be different each time, sometimes going along the northern or southern hemisphere or going to and from each or diagonally across the earth.

This might seem as if counting on an eclipse happening in the same arrangement twice is like counting on lightning to strike at the same place twice. However, mankind has gone to predict when and where an eclipse will happen ahead of schedule is a very complicated process that involves a lot of different factors. First there is this thing called an eclipse season, the time in which eclipses are expected to happen, and these only occur about every six months and last around thirty one to thirty seven days. Then there is this little thing called the saros cycle which modern day people use to calculate when and where we can expect the same kind of eclipse to happen. Some people may have seen or heard of something called an antikythera mechanism, which is a physical device used for the same purpose that was made using the saros cycle in mind with its design. Earth’s own rotation was originally exempt from all the other things that have been listed so far as in while an eclipse may happen on the same point on the globe it doesn’t always line up with where that is on the face of the earth and it could actually be happening in the middle of nowhere. However, nowadays astronomers have been able to compensate for these issues and make accurate predictions with frequent updates.

SAFETY

Obviously I shouldn’t have to tell you not to stare directly at the sun. The consequences of UV light going directly into our eyes will cause the cornel cells to crack and blister like it already does to your skin with a sunburn. However the main problem with doing so is something called solar retinopathy which can cause permanent damage to your eyes if you stare at it for more than two

minutes or have severe eye problems already.

change it. Thankfully though by the time this has been written the forecast says there is likely to be clear skies waiting for us to welcome this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Dock Your Appetite At the BoAthouse

LOOKING FOR A BITE TO EAT, A PLACE TO HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS, OR SOMEWHERE TO FINISH YOUR ASSIGNMENT?

SITUATED BENEATH DWYER HALL IS WRIGHT STATE LAKE’S VERY OWN CAFE.

WELCOME YOURSELF TO THE LIVELY ATMOSPHERE THAT IS THE BOATHOUSE.

What is lunch without a view?

If you are looking to wind down or need some fuel between classes, The Boathouse is the perfect place to stop. The windowed atmosphere allows the perfect amount of natural light and a gorgeous view of the lake. Take it a step further and enjoy the fresh air by taking a seat outside. Bask in the scenery, bird watch, and appreciate a relaxing day by the water.

Have some fun with friends!

Classes and assignments can be overwhelming at some points, so take a breather and enjoy what The Boathouse has to offer. Whether you want to take a seat and talk with friends or pop in some earbuds and listen to music, this is the perfect space. If you’re looking for some healthy competition, grab some classmates and test out your ping pong skills and shoot some pool. Whatever it may be, study session or some fun with friends, The Boathouse has got you covered.

Study in style!

Attached to The Boathouse is the campus bookstore. Prepare for your classes and pick up your order just in time to get to studying. While you’re there, get your merch on and check out the selection of Wright State Lake Campus sweatshirts, graphic tees, supplies, and much more.

Chow down with a bite to eat!

The Boathouse offers weekly specials such as grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fish and chips, and more. If you’re

Quick Tip: For every hour of studying, take a quick fifteen minute break for yourself. You can only sit and stay focused for so long!

looking for something quick, grab a snack from the vending machine. Feel free to pack your own lunch and use the appliances provided. Purchase a fresh bakery item, salad, sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, or get a grill entree made-to-order. Most importantly, start your day by getting caffeinated with a Starbucks coffee or espresso.

Hit the books!

The Boathouse offers a wide range of seating with high top and low top tables, counter seating, and comfortable lounge chairs. Gather with friends for a quick lunch, study session, or take a well-deserved moment for yourself.

WRIGHT CARD1

Written by Annelise Harlamert |

by

Your Wright1 Card is a prepaid debit card, library card, meal card, and access card for recreation facilities, parking lots, and certain labs. The card is a University ID that is issued to any new student, faculty, or staff member at WSU. Wright1 Cards are also available for purchase by any affiliate, current Alumni Association Gold member, or contractor associated with WSU. Another neat feature is you can use it as a library card to check out books or media. You can use it to buy anything from the book store, and anything you would like from the boathouse, and PrintWright stations.

WHERE AND HOW TO LOAD CARD

Where to load your card? On-campus locations are Laker Landing in Dwyer Hall. You will be able to swipe your card and then proceed to use credit, debit, or cash to add money to your card. The next option would be online payment. Go to WINGSExpress and select the Student and Financial Aid tab, Select "Wright1 Card and Meal Plan Services, Manage your account or deposit Raider Cash, and pay by credit or by electronic check. Once you’ve added money to it you are all set and can start swiping your Wright1 card.

DISCOUNTS

Unfortunately at the Lake Campus, there is no discount for outside companies if you show your Wright1 card. On the other hand, if you are at the Main Dayton Campus there are 25 plus businesses and companies where you could get up to 15% discount off your purchase.

Illustration

Kaylee Lind | Photography by Annelise Harlamert | Edited by Tyler Couchot and Clare Rethman

STEP-BY-STEP

The process on how to get your Wright1 Card is fairly simple. Once you have been accepted into the school you would meet with your academic advisor and schedule classes then once you are set on that end. You would make your way to the Front Desk on the Lake Campus which is right when you walk into the main doors of the college.

Talk with the front desk clerk and someone will bring you back and take your picture that goes on the front of your card. Within a week you will get an email to come pick it up or you could ask them to email it to you. Simply an easy way to get your Wright1 card all set up and ready for use while a student at Wright State University.

Let’s FestiveGet

Whether you have time in between classes or are just wanting to embrace the spirit of the holidays, Wright State Lake has got you covered! Throughout the course of the semesters, the campus hosts a number of events to get you in the mood. Keep your eyes peeled for activity postings and emails.

STUDENT SPOOKTACULAR

Students were able to get into the spooky spirit during the Lake Campus Halloween party. Festive snacks were readily available along with opportunities to earn swag, take photos, eat some candy, and enjoy a movie with popcorn. A number of people, including staff, got crafty and competed in a decorating contest, where participants could carve or paint pumpkins.

TIS THE SEASON

Not often do you get the opportunity in a busy schedule to sit back and craft with friends. In early December, students had the opportunity to use the Glowforge, a 3D laser printer that makes magical things at the push of a button. Participants had the chance to customize an ornament, whether it be engraved or painted, and also got to test out the 3D pens. There’s nothing like getting ready for the holidays like making your own ornaments.

Quick Tip: According to Michigan State University, involved students feel more connected to the campus and the people, and are more familiar with the resources the university provides!

SOUP-ER BOWL THURSDAY

Sports fans had the opportunity to prepare for Sunday’s big game with a party at The Boathouse. The first fifty people to attend were awarded with a free cup of chili to get ready for Super Bowl LVIII. Students were able to make their predictions on who would win, the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers.

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

The Wright State Psychology Club got ready for Valentine’s Day with their Letters of Love event. Students, staff, and faculty had the chance to write a message of appreciation to someone of their choosing, where they were notified via email that someone left them a sweet something.

LET’S SOCIALIZE!

Take some time for yourself to participate in some of Wright State Lake Campus happenings. A majority of the events are free and provide the perfect amount of fun to temporarily take your mind off studies. Be in the know by checking your email, social media, WINGS, event postings, and more. Do yourself a favor and join in on campus events.

Have you ever thought of another holiday/event that can be celebrated on the campus for everyone to take part in? Send a suggestion

FUZZ THERAPY

Story written by Alana Stricker and Images captured by Willow Bunger & Jessica Winner

uzz therapy is simple: it’s the process of petting dogs, while calming the nerves and reducing stress. Fuzz therapy is offered once a week in the Boathouse at Wright State University- Lake Campus. Though many students commute to school each day, some students do live on campus, and are not allowed to have pets. In this instance, fuzz therapy gives those students the chance to feel at home with their own dog (or pet). Moreover, whether it’s in between classes, studying, work, meetings, or sports/clubs, students spend a lot of time on campus. This therapy allows students to take a break from their busy schedules and find happiness in their day.

Fuzz therapy is also beneficial during midterms and finals week. Students are awake for most of partake in fuzz therapy.

These dogs, better known as service dogs, are well trained in public places with different settings and exposure to many different people. Additionally, they adapt to become comfortable in school and with many different people.

Wright State University in Dayton started their fuzz therapy in 2012 and has had a lot of success. From this, the Lake Campus has found and trained a few dogs to partake in fuzz therapy weekly on campus. Lastly, this activity has evolved in the couple of months it has been taking place at Wright State University- Lake Campus.

Overall, fuzz therapy is a great addition to the

The Pros and Cons of Campus Living Options

Adifficult decision, when presented with the opportunity, is deciding whether to live on campus or commute from off campus. There are a number of pros for each, but in turn a number of cons for them as well. When making your decision, do what is best for you, and consider all your options before you decide.

Pros of On-Campus Living

Convenience: By staying in one of the Lake Campus villas, you are just a short walk away from your classes, the library, the Boathouse, and other facilities.

Community: It’s much easier to make friends and immerse yourself in campus activities when you're in the middle of it all.

Support: By living in a “dorm-like” community, resident advisors and staff are readily available to provide support and assistance.

Resources: Important resources are much more readily available when you live on campus, such as study groups, tutoring, student-services, and access to your academic advisor.

Immersion: When you live on-campus, you are fully immersed in the college experience which can help you to feel more connected to your life as a student.

Cons of On-Campus Living

Privacy: By living in the villas at the Wright State Lake Campus, you share a space with other students, meaning you might have less-privacy.

Noise Levels: Shared living spaces can get noisy, especially during busy times such as exams or weekends. However, communication is key when living with others, so if this becomes a problem, simply talk to one-another.

Limited Space: Shared living spaces are typically smaller than your personal space at home. You are limited to what you can bring and should keep in mind that it isn’t a permanent home.

Pros of Off-Campus Living Villa Living at Wright State Lake Campus

Independence: Whether you live in an apartment of your own, or live with your parents, by living off-campus you have the opportunity to have your own space and more freedom.

Cost Savings: By living off-campus, especially commuting from home, you can save on expenses.

More Space: When you live on campus you are limited to the amount of stuff you can bring and the space you are in is often smaller than if you lived on your own.

Flexibility: Off-campus living allows the freedom of what your space will look like and the location as well.

Real-World Experience: If you live on your own or with a roommate, off-campus living can provide a taste of independence and help you develop important skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, and other household responsibilities.

Cons of Off-Campus Living

Commuting Costs and Time: Depending on where you live, the time in which it takes to reach Wright State Lake Campus can be an important factor. Along with gas prices, commuting can be costly.

Potential Isolation: By living off-campus, some may find it harder to connect with other students and fully immerse themselves in the college-life. Limited Involvement: It’s more difficult to attend every activity, event, and social opportunity that happens when you live off-campus.

Lack of Independence: If you decide to stay at home, your independence may be limited in comparison to being on your own or staying in one of the villas.

Wright State Lake Campus offers housing villas in townhouse-style apartments that offer a view of Grand Lake St. Marys. Each apartment has four or five bedrooms with the option to have a private or shared room. Each apartment is fully furnished with kitchen amenities (refrigerator, electric range, microwave, dishwasher, double bowl sink, garbage disposal), living room furniture (couch, armchairs, television stand, end table), dining room furniture (dining table, four chairs, three breakfast bar stools), single bedroom furniture (a twin XL bed, desk, desk chair, two-drawer dresser), and double bedroom furniture (two twin XL beds, two desks, two desk chairs, and two dressers). The villas are also equipped with a community laundry room on the complex, cable TV and high-speed internet access, and the inclusion of all utilities. Students are allowed to have a car on campus and are permitted one vehicle per resident that must be registered with the housing staff.

Weigh Your Options

There are many different things to keep in mind when deciding whether to live on or off campus. Consider communicating your thoughts and asking the opinions of important figures in your life, academic advisors, and other students with the same question. Get more information on Lake Campus living by communicating with student services or utilizing the campus life tab on the website.

SUMMER 2024 OLYMPICS

OOn July 26 to August 11, in what will be the third time since exactly one hundred years ago Paris, France will be the host of the Olympic and Paralympic games. This is shaping up to be a very special year for the Olympics right from the opening ceremony which for the first time ever will be held not in any stadium but on the Seine river. It is expected that over 10,000 athletes will be in attendance cruising on a parade of boats downstream for three and half miles and directly under Paris’s many beautiful bridges to be witnessed by 15 million visitors.

MEDALS

The medals of this year’s Olympic and Paralympic games are particularly remarkable as they have been revealed to include a part of Paris’s very own Eiffel Tower from back when it was originally made in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Created and Designed by the Luxury Jewelry House Chaumet, the director Clémentine Massonnat has ensured to give a most stunning design for the winning athletes. Given that this metal was taken from their own nation’s most famous landmark, back when it was undergoing renovations to modernize its elevators, they treated it with the utmost respect as they would a precious gem or stone. After cutting it into the shape of a hexagon, the geometric shape of France, they placed the iron right into the very center of the design and surrounded by eye-catching ridges.

LOCATIONS, GAMES, ATHLETES, & FAMOUS PEOPLE

Being the host of this year’s Olympics, France has decided to give a whole new experience for both the athletes and the rest of the world

by transforming their nations most famous landmarks and monuments into the venues of these sporting events. This way it hopes to provide a much grander stage for this year’s sporting events in hopes of showcasing these monuments in the background of these sport’s most magnificent moments rather than what you’d see in any standard stadium that would later be torn down after being used. This concept of relying on as many existing and temporary structures as possible is the guiding principle for the Olympics Organizing Committee towards each of the venues hoping to become “the greenest in history”, as it’s been advertised. In fact only three new facilities will be built for the Olympics: The Saint-Denis aquatics center, a media center, and the athletes village located in the poorest region of mainland France which as the name suggest will be home to over 6,000 athletes.

Directly under the Eiffel Tower is where the Beach Volleyball tournament for both men and women is to be held taking place between the 27th of July and the 10th of August. The only known athlete expected to be attending at this time is April Ross from America. The river Seine that the opening ceremony will take place will be where the swimming marathon will take place. Although it is not known to be the cleanest river, the town mayor has been working to clean up the river so that it can be safe for public swimming to take place.

Track and Field will be held between August 1st and August 11 and the majority of which will take place at the country’s largest stadium Stade de France. Marathons and race walk events will go out into the city of Paris with the iconic landmarks of the Eiffel tower, and the 5-arched, 19th century Pont D’lena bridge will be where the

Story written by Zachary Schlenker, Images captured by Jacob Wallace, Illustration done by Jessica Winner

races both begin and end. The athletes from America who are expected to attend are Traycon Bromell, Ryan Crouser, Grant Holloway, Erriyon Knighton, Noah Lyles, Sydney Mclaughlin, and Dalilah Muhammad. Athletes from other countries include Mondo Duplantis, Shelly-Ann Frayse-Pryce, Eliued Kipchoge, Eleine Thompson-Herah and Karsten Warholm.

The Grand Palais, an imposing exhibition hall that was originally built for the 1900 universal exhibition will be where many two types of martial arts tournaments will be taking place such as for Fencing, Taekwondo for both olympic and paralympic games. The Esplanades des Invalides, a popular park with stunning views

mobilized to provide security and 17,000 to 22,000 private security guards present at fan zones and venues. There will also be drones and ai cameras that will be looking for suspicious crowd movements. However this alone was not considered to be enough for the athletes and so construction has been underway to construct a small temporary town for the athletes appropriately named the athletes village. As the head of the organization in charge of the Olympics construction work Nicolas Ferdrand has been given 1.7 billion euros of public money to build the facility. Up to 6,000 people will be able to live in the athletes village built in Seien-Saint-Denis, the poorest religion in mainland France. Chef Charles Guilloy will be their head chef who will be cooking 40,000 meals a day, for 206 delegations.

BEFORE ECLIPSE | BEFORE TOTALITY | DURING TOTALITY

Summer Break

Written by Tyler Couchot | Illustration by Kaylee Lind | Photography by Annelise Harlamert | Edited by Tyler Couchot and Clare Rethman

Summer break is one of the best times for a college student. A couple months away from school can help the students to make some money at a job, set up summer internships, and even go on trips with family and friends. I have emailed several students and have received a couple replies on the topic. From benefits to disadvantages, the summer break has a for sure impact on college students around the globe.

The students I asked all had similar but different answers about their summer plans. A lot of students, myself included, plan to take a trip with their friends to some kind of body of water for a weekend at least. Other students plan to take a more relaxed family trip such as going camping or staying in a cabin somewhere. On the other hand, summer brings along great opportunities for internships and job interviews as that is when a student has the most freetime available to them.

One big issue with summer break is known as Summer Melt. Summer Melt happens when students go from school to the summer, and then either forget or don’t want to attend college again in the fall. This can also affect high school graduates as well. Studies show that up to one third of all students who leave high school with plans to attend college never arrive at any college campus that fall. Summer melt tends to hit low-income students hardest, as well as students who are the first in their family to go to college.

The summer also provides benefits for college students. For starters, summer classes are usually available for students to stay active in their education as well as catch up or get ahead in their degree of choice. The break can also help students to relax and not worry about school again for a couple of months. Mental health is a key part of a student’s success, and summer break can do a great job at improving that and keeping students on track in their education.